JP3031306U - Destruction-separated fixing device for airbag deployment doors - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) An object of the present invention is to provide a destructive separation type fixing device which normally closes a panel opening of an automobile, adjacent to an open end of a housing accommodating an airbag in an undeployed state. Each fastener assembly includes a male element and a female element extending between overlapping edges of an edge flange of a panel and a door around an airbag deployment opening, the male element comprising: , A bayonet member having a bulged free end that mates with a female element having a receiving spring clip that permanently retains the male element after deployment of the airbag. The base portion of each male element is secured to the door at the center of the thin, frangible section and breaks along a path extending around the base of the male element. Only the back of the door faces the inflating airbag, so the rapidly inflating airbag is not damaged.

Description

[Detailed description of the device]

[0001]

[Technical field to which the device belongs]

 The present invention relates generally to an airbag device, and more particularly, to a destructible and separable fixing device for a deployment door that is pushed open from an opening of a panel when the airbag is deployed. The concealed panel opening for the airbag device is closed by a cover or door which is always maintained in place by a fixing device, which is used during deployment of the airbag. It is designed to break in a controlled manner so that debris from other equipment components is generated and does not scatter randomly around. Also, in the event of a break, only the smooth surface faces the inflating airbag to prevent damage to the rapidly deploying airbag.

[0002]

[Prior art]

 U.S. Pat.No. 3,822,894 to Muller et al. Discloses a handle with a built-in air cushion that uses a strong hinge between the cover and the dish containing the airbag, which covers the airbag. It is pushed open when inflated, but is designed so that it does not completely separate from the handle.

US Pat. No. 3,944,250 to Wulf et al. Discloses an automatically inflatable gas cushion for vehicle occupant protection using a cover that opens upon inflation of an airbag or gas cushion. And after opening it is held by a flexible band. Disalvo et al., U.S. Pat.No. 4,893,833 discloses a lid for the deployment opening of an airbag in which an aluminum hinge flange integral with the lid is bolted to an automobile frame to allow the lid to rotate. It can be opened.

US Pat. No. 4,911,471 to Hirabayashi discloses the construction of an air bag system for a motor vehicle, wherein the rotation of the door on the air bag is restricted by a strap when the air bag is inflated, and the door is thus opened. It is configured to limit the degree. Parker U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,653 discloses a self-peeling foam lid element for an inflatable restraint door assembly that combines a hinge and a leash to restrain the movement of the lid element during airbag deployment. There is.

US Pat. No. 5,031,930 to Sato discloses an airbag device having a deployment door attached to the side plate of an airbag module by means of small pins, the pin being configured to break during deployment of the air bag. There is. Shiracki U.S. Pat. No. 5,064,217 for an airbag unit having a band of "Nylon" thread on a container or housing of an airbag that is molded in place and covers a plastic retaining band. Is disclosed.

US Pat. No. 5,082,310 to Bauer discloses a configuration for forming an airbag deployment opening with a door having a fragile portion, which is broken and the separated door portion is opened during deployment of the airbag. It is supposed to be done. U.S. Pat.No. 5,150,919 to Sakakida et al. Discloses an automotive airbag system having a pair of doors or lids that open in opposite directions, the doors being restrained by a belt member so that when the airbag deploys, the doors are swung laterally. It is constructed so that it can rotate smoothly around the center and open smoothly.

US Pat. No. 5,195,776 to Sakaida et al. Discloses an airbag device having a curved airbag cover lid which pivots about a center point to ensure a positive opening. Does not hinder the expansion of. Batchelder et al., U.S. Pat.No. 5,072,967, discloses an instrument panel with an airbag deployment door that has a vulnerable portion hidden invisible, such that the door follows a predetermined line when the airbag is deployed. Is configured to open broken.

US Pat. No. 5,096,221 to Comb et al. Discloses an airbag door having a plurality of substrates on its inner surface, which substrates maintain the door in a closed position at all times, and at least one of them. Has a hidden tear line and is designed to break the door and form an opening. U.S. Pat.No. 5,211,421 to Catron et al. Discloses an airbag cover door retainer with a bifurcated engagement flange on the door, which normally maintains the door in a closed position, but deploys the airbag. It is sometimes configured to open and open the door.

US Pat. No. 5,211,422 to Frantz et al. Discloses an occupant restraint system including an airbag having an upper reaction member, the member being restrained early in the deployment of the airbag but in a lateral portion. It is configured so that the restraint is released when the fold is extended. U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,739 to Fujiwara et al. Discloses an automotive airbag cover opening mechanism with a thin pin that disconnects when pressure is applied to the interior surface of the door by the expanding airbag.

US Pat. No. 5,219,177 to Wang discloses a releasable latch for an airbag deployment door that operates by opening the airbag to open the door. U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,191 to Faigle et al. Discloses a strapped airbag cover device that is attached to the airbag itself and is configured to hold the cover after opening.

European patent application EPO 0415 362 A2 discloses an airbag support device having two breakaway separable covers restrained by loose flexible straps. German patent DE 38 43 686 A1 discloses an automotive airbag cover which is held integrally by a hinge element on the dashboard of the vehicle.

[0012]

[Problems to be solved by the device]

 It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved airbag device for automobiles and the like, and more particularly to provide a new and improved breakaway release locking device for airbag deployment doors. It is in. It is another object of the present invention to positively hold the door at a predetermined position of the airbag deployment opening, and to easily open the door by breaking it in a controlled manner during deployment of the associated airbag. It is to provide a new and improved breakaway detachable fastener for bag deployment doors.

Still another object of the present invention is that the door can be easily attached to the periphery of the airbag opening on the panel, and the door can be securely secured in place until the airbag is deployed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved door fastening device for an airbag device having a fixed fastener. Another object of the present invention is that the price is low, it is integrally formed on the inner surface of the door, and it breaks at a specific place when the airbag is deployed, but it is constructed so as not to generate randomly formed debris. Another object is to provide a new and improved fastening device for airbag doors.

Still another object of the present invention is the open door which has the above-mentioned characteristics and is broken at a specific position when the airbag is deployed so that only a smooth surface faces the deployed airbag. (EN) It is possible to provide a new and improved airbag device configured so that an airbag inflating is not damaged by a cover or a cover.

[0015]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

 The above objects and advantages of the present invention are accomplished by a new and improved destructive separation type locking device for air bag deployment doors having one or more fasteners on the interior surface of the door. This door has a panel opening in the vehicle adjacent to the open end of the housing that contains the folded, undeployed airbag so that it can quickly inflate in the event of an accident and protect the occupants of the vehicle. It is configured to be closed at all times. The locking device is a bayonet-type element that extends between the overlapping edges of the door and the edge flanges of the vehicle's panel around the airbag deployment opening aligned with the airbag container. A plurality of fixtures that are spaced apart from each other and that are provided. The bayonet-type airbag has an inflated free end configured to mate with a receiving spring clip that retains the fixture after the airbag is deployed. The base of each bayonet-type element is secured to the door by a frangible annular central portion having an annular thin cross-section configured to break around the base and the airbag is inflated and extended out through the panel opening. As the door is pushed open, it remains with it. After the rupture occurs, only the smooth inner back surface of the door faces the inflating airbag, so no airbag damage occurs.

[0016]

[Embodiment of device]

 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 show a vehicle 20 with a passenger compartment 22 accommodating one or more passengers 24 seated on a seat 26. The vehicle 20 has a dashboard and a panel 30 in front of an occupant 24, and a large opening 32 is provided right above an airbag / inflator assembly 34 installed therein. The airbag / inflator assembly 34 comprises a housing or container 36 secured in place below the panel 30 and airbag deployment opening 32. The airbag 38 is stored in the housing 36 in an unexpanded or undeployed state for protection, but in the event of an accident, the airbag 38 is deployed as shown in FIG. 2 to protect the occupant 24 of the vehicle from injury.

The panel opening 32 is always closed by a movable airbag deployment door or cover 40, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, forming part of the upper surface of the panel 30 above the opening 32. In the event of an emergency such as a collision, when the air bag 38 inflates and rapidly expands outward, the door 40 rapidly separates from the panel opening 32, and does not interfere with the air bag that is expanding, and is shown in FIG. To inflate. The door 40 comprises an outer layer portion 44 and an inner layer portion 46, which are preferably made of molded plastic material, so that many small debris are not generated when the airbag is deployed and the door is broken. Give strength and integrity to the entire 40. The outer layer portion 44 and the inner layer portion 46 are joined together at their peripheral portions to form a sturdy and lightweight hollow door structure.

According to the present invention, the door 40 is always air-operated by a fixing device having a plurality of breaking-type fixing device assemblies 50 provided at mutually separated positions such as both side edges and / or both ends thereof. It is maintained over the closed position (FIG. 1) just above the panel opening 32 for the bag. The fixture assembly 50 extends between the downwardly facing inner surface of the inner layer portion 46 of the door 40 and the upwardly facing surface of the peripheral flange 31 of the panel extending along either or both edges of the airbag panel opening 32. It has existing pins and sockets. The door 40 is secured in a predetermined position until the airbag 38 is deployed, covers the airbag deployment opening 32 of the vehicle panel 30, and restricts unnecessary access from the outside, so that the airbag 38 / inflator assembly 34 can be secured. Protects against damage.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, each fixture assembly 50 includes a pin 70 and a socket 54, the socket 54 being a relatively long, narrow and angularly spreadable pair of deflectable members. It comprises a metal spring clip (54) having a generally circular closed end 56 integrally joined to a leg 58 of the. These expanded and flexible legs 58 are integrally connected to a pair of base legs 60 which are opposed to each other in a straight line on the same plane substantially orthogonal thereto. These base legs are configured to come into contact with either the adjacent surface of the peripheral flange 31 or the adjacent surface of the inner layer portion 46 of the door 40. The female spring clip 54 is provided at an appropriate location on either one of the peripheral flange 31 and the inner layer portion 46 of the door (see FIGS. 7 and 9) integrally connected to the inner end of the base leg 60. It also includes a pair of flat, spaced-apart mounting legs 62 that fit into the defined mounting holes 64. Each spring clip 54 has a pair of retaining tabs 66 projecting outwardly opposite each other and each integrally connected to a mounting leg 62, which tabs, after insertion, are spring-loaded. It is configured to contact the peripheral flange 31 to which the clip is attached or the surface of the door inner layer portion 46 and hold the spring clip in place.

Each fixture assembly 50 is configured to project through a hole 64 and between the mounting legs 62 of the spring clip 54 inserted into the bayonet-type male assembly. A mold element or stud 70 is provided. The stud 70 has a bulged retaining ball portion 72 at its free end which is configured to fit into and retain the circular end 56 of the spring clip 54.

After the airbag assembly 34 is installed in place on the vehicle 20, a door or cover 40 is placed over the panel opening 32 and moved downwards towards the panel 30, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. Occupies a closed position. Once the cover 40 is in place, the bayonet studs 70 are pushed downward into the perimeter flanges 31 or the holes 64 in the inner layer 46 of the door (see FIGS. 7 and 9) and the spring clips 54. The flexible legs 58 are pushed outwardly toward one another until the stud balls 72 are firmly seated in the circular ends 56 of the socket or spring clip 54, which causes the legs to elastically move. Provided with inward return forces against each other, locking the studs and spring clips of each fixture assembly 50 together, closing or protecting the door or cover 40 over the airbag panel opening 32 until airbag deployment occurs. Hold in position (FIGS. 1 and 5).

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 9, according to the present invention, each male stud 70 has a stem portion 74 having a minimum diameter immediately inside a bulged ball portion 72 provided at its free end. The stem portion gradually increases in diameter towards a base end portion 76 of hexagonal or octagonal cross section forming a spanner receiving surface for facilitating attachment of the stud. The stud 70 also has a concentric threaded end 78 that extends from the base end 76 in a direction away from the ball 72. This threaded end 78 is installed on the peripheral flange 31 or inner layer 46 of the door panel so as to be concentric with the hole 64 and the female spring clip 54 associated with each stud. It is constructed so as to be screwed into the tube-shaped curler 80 having peaks.

According to the present invention, this hollow metal collar 80 with internal threads for receiving the threaded end 78 of the stud 70 is placed in place on the inner layer 46 of the door 40 by molding (FIG. 7) or by press fitting or other permanent means in place on the peripheral flange 31 of the panel (FIG. 9). In each case, around each collar 80, on the substrate of the door 40 or the peripheral flange 31, the thickness of the substrate is reduced by one or more circular weakening grooves 84 having a defined V-shaped cross section. A substantially circular breaking / cutting area 82 is set, and when the door 40 is opened outside by the pressure when the airbag 38 is rapidly expanded, the breaking occurs along the apex of the groove.

The weakening groove 84 prevents random destruction of the door 40 or the peripheral flange 31 of the panel when the airbag is deployed, and the destruction region is accurately defined by the position of the apex of the circular weakening groove. During deployment, a small amount of substrate 86 (FIG. 6) around collar 80 is actively maintained with the collar. The male stud 70 is also maintained such that the spring clip 54 and associated stud 70 of each breaking fixture assembly 50 are continuously maintained before, during, and after deployment of the airbag 38. It is positively held in the telescoping locked position by an associated female spring clip 54 leaving a generally circular hole 82 in the base plate member (FIG. 4) facing the base plate member in which it is located.

If the airbag assembly 34 needs to be serviced or removed from the vehicle 20 after the door 40 has been installed over the opening 32 in the panel 30, the circular closed end 56 of the spring clip 54 is removed. The flexible leg 58 is flared near the small diameter neck adjacent to and releases and withdraws the ball 72 at the free end of the stud. As described above, the destructive separation type fixing device of the present invention prevents the parts such as the door and the peripheral flange from being destroyed by a large number of random debris and becoming an undesired flying object when the airbag is deployed. After that, actively maintain doors and covers until airbags are used. In addition, the device is inexpensive, reliable in operation and easy to operate, and can be easily installed after the airbag inflator device has been installed in place.

10-15, another embodiment of a new and improved breakaway door lock system used in a passenger compartment 22 of a vehicle 20 to protect an occupant from injury in the event of an accident. 100 is shown. The device 100 includes an air bag with a container housing 36 containing an inflatable air bag 38, shown in a folded and unfolded state in FIG. 10, mounted below a panel 30 behind a dashboard 28. Used in conjunction with a bag / inflator module 34, the airbag is configured to quickly inflate in the event of an accident (FIG. 11) and to bulge out through panel openings 32 to support and cushion vehicle occupants. ing.

As shown in FIG. 10, the panel opening 32 for deploying the airbag 38 is normally closed by a door 140 fixed to a peripheral edge portion 28a of the dashboard 28 surrounding the panel opening. The part is provided at both ends with holes 29 for receiving a fixture 150 constructed according to the invention. The door 140 is sturdy and comparable so that it does not break into discrete pieces when a large force is applied to the inner surface of the door by the air bag 38, which expands rapidly as the airbag deploys as shown in FIG. It is desirable to mold it with a relatively lightweight plastic material. The door comprises a molded outer wall 142 having a shape as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the outer wall being a generally cylindrical integrally formed stop 146 formed on the inner surface of the outer wall at its periphery. Is coupled to the inner wall 144 by means of which the stop projects through the opening in the inner wall and projects onto the back surface of the inner wall to be heat set.

The resulting hollow door 140 is shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 and is attached to an inner wall of one or more straps 154 that pass through a large rectangular slot 156 formed in the inner wall. There is a large space between the integrally heat-fixed outer wall 142 and the inner wall 144 for accommodating the stress-dispersing elongated rod 152 connected to the outer end. The inner end of the strap 154 is secured in a clip 158 that is permanently attached to the container housing 36 of the airbag / inflator module 34, as shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 11, when the air bag 38 is deployed, the strap 154 positively restrains the door and limits the distance from the panel opening 32 at which the door 140 can move, so that the door allows the occupant of the vehicle 20 to move. Protect it from being damaged.

According to the invention, the inner wall 144 of the door 140 comprises, at its ends, a plurality of substantially square-shaped, spaced-apart wall segments 160 protruding rearward or inward. . A fixture 150 is attached to each wall segment 160 to secure the door 140 in the closed position above the panel opening 32. Each inwardly or rearwardly projecting wall segment 160 is integrally joined along its upper and lower edges (A and B in Figures 12 and 13) to a directly adjacent wall portion 164 of the inner wall 144 by a thin break wall 162. A tongue piece 168 of the U-shaped base clip 170 having a curved portion 172 that engages the inner edge of the wall segment 160 is received between the adjacent ends of the pair of upper and lower breaking walls 162 at both ends of the protruding wall segment 160. An opening or slot 166 is provided. Each tongue 168 has a free end with a pawl 169 (FIG. 14) on the outer edge such that when the base clip 170 is inserted in place and the tongue is located behind the wall segment, the tongue is slot 166. It prevents you from getting out.

When the door 140 is attached at a predetermined position to close the panel opening, each base clip 170 moves in one direction and is inserted into the waiting hole 29 in the peripheral edge portion 28 a around the panel opening 32. , An outer base segment 174 carrying bayonet legs 176 extending rearwardly at right angles. The leg portion 176 is provided with a frustoconical skirt 178 near the base 174 to separate the door 140 and the peripheral portion 28a of the panel from each other, thereby giving an outward biasing force to the door and rattling or noise. Is being prevented.

Each leg 176 is rounded at its free end and comprises a plurality of evenly spaced and integral locking fingers 180 (FIG. 14) which are radially directed toward its free end 182. Once radially installed, the door 140 engages the rear surface of the panel 28 around the opening 29 and permanently locks the fixture 150.

After the door 140 is thus installed and the fixture 150 is locked at a predetermined position, the airbag 38 is deployed and rapidly inflated, so that the door 140 is pushed open and separated from the panel opening 32. Moving, the inner wall 144 breaks along edges A, B at the portion of the thin break wall 162 adjacent each fixture support segment 160, which break wall forms a controlled break path with the slot 166. Then, the openings 190 (FIG. 13) formed by breaking the substantially square shape are left at both ends of the inner wall. As shown in FIG. 11, after the airbag is deployed, the fixture 150 and support wall segment 160 remain in place even when the door 140 is opened. Once the tongue 168 is fully inserted into the slot 166, the fixture 150 is positively secured and held in place with respect to the door 140, and both ends 168a and 168b of the tongue 168 are secured to the inner wall 144. Face the inner edge surfaces 200 and 201.

When the door 140 is installed in place to close the panel opening 32, the legs 176 of each fixture 150 are aligned with and pushed into the opening 29. The stress generated by this pushing action elastically distorts both regions 162 along edges A and B. Both ends 168a and 168b of the tongue piece 168 are pressed against the edges 200 and 201 of the inner wall 144. Therefore, the force required to push the leg 176 through the opening 29 is not transmitted by the region 162 along the edges A, B but directly to the inner wall 144 via the ends 168a, 168b, and It is transmitted to the edges 200 and 201. Thus, damage to the edges A and B at the time of mounting the door can be prevented. Even if a controlled break occurs in the thin break wall segment 162, the back surface of the inner wall 144 of the door 140 remains smooth and there are no damage-causing failures that could damage the airbag 38 during deployment. Absent. Further, the open door 140 is securely tethered, and the wall segment 160 and fixture 150 are positively retained in their original installed position.

Obviously, many variations and modifications of the present invention are possible in light of the above description. Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention covers more than the above-described embodiments as long as they fall within the scope of the claims for registration.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a vehicle showing a destructive separation-type fixing device for an airbag deployment door or cover constructed according to the present invention, the door covering a predetermined opening on a panel covering an airbag deployment opening. And the airbag is in an uninflated state.

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1, but showing the airbag in the deployed position after the securing device has been destroyed during deployment of the airbag.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a door or cover for an airbag deployment opening constructed according to the present invention, showing a bayonet-type element attached to the cover.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the lower surface of the door or cover after the elements have been deployed.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial side sectional view similar to FIG. 1, showing a state in which it is secured in place by a fixing device and the opening of the panel is closed.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial side sectional view similar to FIG. 5, showing a state in which the door is in the open position after the airbag is deployed.

7 is an enlarged partial side sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG.

8 is an enlarged partial side sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial side sectional view similar to FIG. 7, showing another embodiment of the breaking separation type fixing device of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial side sectional view similar to FIG. 5 of another embodiment of a new and improved breakaway separation fixation device for an airbag deployment door or cover constructed in accordance with the present invention. , The door is in the closed position before the airbag is deployed.

11 is an enlarged partial side sectional view similar to FIG. 10, showing a state in which the door is in the open position after the airbag is deployed.

12 is a rear view of the door in the closed position, taken along line XII-XII in FIG.

13 is a rear view of the door in the open position after deployment of the airbag, taken along the line XIII-XIII in FIG. 11.

14 is an enlarged partial side sectional view of the fixation device of the present invention for mounting the door in the closed position in position, taken along line XIV-XIV of FIG.

15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 20 ... Automobile 22 ... Occupant compartment 26 ... Seat 30 ... Panel 32 ... Airbag deployment opening 34 ... Airbag / inflator assembly 36 ... Housing 38 ... Airbag 40 ... Door 44 ... Outer layer 46 ... Inner layer 50 ... Breakage Mold fixture assembly 54 ... Socket 70 ... Pin

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued Front Page (72) Inventor Fred Michael Bentley Utah, Utah 84040, Leighton, East 2538 North 3750 (72) Inventor Denis Juletostane France, 95800 Cergy-le-Aut, Vila. Pasiflor 2

Claims (35)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. A destructive separation type fixing device for maintaining a panel in a closed position covering a panel opening until the airbag is inflated and passes through the panel opening to open the door, the panel edge portion and the door. Female socket means attached to one of the two, and to the other of the panel edge portion and the door, and the state is maintained until the airbag is inflated by fitting the female socket means. A male stud means having a bulged free end configured to: a fixture means extending between the door and a panel edge portion along the edge of the panel opening; and a panel edge surrounding the male stud means. Destruction line forming groove means for forming a low strength peripheral substrate on a portion or a door, and the peripheral substrate can be destroyed along the groove means when the airbag is inflated. Fixed equipment Place. 2. The destructive separation type fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the groove means is carved on at least one surface of the door or the edge portion. 3. The destructive separation type fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the groove means is a circular groove, and a cross section along the diameter of the circular shape is V-shaped. 4. The breaking separation type fixing device according to claim 2, which is a pair of circular grooves formed on both surfaces of the door or the edge portion. 5. The socket means of claim 1, wherein the socket means comprises a spring clip having a closed end for receiving and retaining a bulged free end of the stud means inserted into the socket means. Destruction separation type fixing device. 6. The spring clip of claim 5, wherein the spring clip comprises elastically deformable legs extending between the closed end and a facing surface of an edge portion of the door or panel. Destruction separation type fixing device. 7. The spring clip has a pair of mounting legs extending away from the closed end.
7. The breakaway fixturing device of claim 6, wherein the edge portion of the door or panel includes a through hole for receiving the mounting leg of the spring clip and the stud means. 8. The breakaway fixator of claim 7, wherein the stud means extends between the mounting legs of the spring clip within the hole. 9. The spring clip comprises a pair of base legs coupled between the deformable legs and the mounting legs and positioned adjacent to the facing surfaces, and the door. Or adjacent to a surface of the edge portion of the panel opposite to the facing surface, a holding leg for connecting the mounting leg extending outward in a direction opposite to the hole;
9. The break apart type fixation device of claim 8 configured to hold the spring clip in place. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the deformable legs are movable away from each other for withdrawing the stud means from the spring clip after the stud means has been snapped into place. Destruction separation type fixing device. 11. Fixture means including at least one pin / socket connector extending between flanges adjacent the panel opening, and rupturing the door as the airbag deploys and inflates through the panel opening. And a release section having a small cross-section formed between the door and the rim around the pin / socket connector to release the airbag deployment door in combination with the inflatable airbag. A destructive separation type fixing device for holding the panel openings lined up on a line in a closed position. 12. The break section comprises a groove surrounding the pin / socket connector.
The destructive separation type fixing device according to 1. 13. The groove is formed in the door,
The destructive separation type fixing device according to claim 12. 14. The breakaway fixturing device of claim 11 including a plurality of said pin / socket connectors mounted on said door spaced apart from each other and extending toward said edge flange. 15. At least one said groove is provided for each pin /
2. Formed around the socket connector.
The destructive separation-type fixing device as described in 4. 16. The destructive separation type fixing device according to claim 13, wherein the pin is attached to the collar by being attached to a collar surrounded by the groove. 17. The destructive separation type fixation device of claim 16, wherein the collar has a threaded hole and the pin has a threaded end threaded into the threaded hole. 18. The wrench has a flat surface adjacent to the threaded end, and a wrench is applied to the pin when the pin is fixed to a predetermined position of the collar.
The destructive separation-type fixing device as described in. 19. The socket has a pair of mounting legs extending into holes provided in an edge flange of the panel and configured to receive the pin therein. The destructive separation-type fixing device as described in. 20. The breakaway fixturing device of claim 19, wherein the socket has a plurality of deformable spring legs engageable with the pin when inserted into the socket through the hole. 21. A breakaway separation type fixing device for securing a door at a position for closing a panel opening for deploying an airbag, wherein the door has a relatively relatively smooth contact with the airbag during deployment. An inner wall member having a back surface, wherein the back surface, when the airbag is deployed to push the inner wall member out of the panel opening,
Having one or more fastener support segments joined to adjacent portions of the inner wall member by a thin wall member configured to break along a predetermined path, and further including a panel opening until the airbag deploys. An anchor is mounted on the segment to secure the door at a predetermined upper location, and the breaking path is provided on the support segment to surround the anchor, and the adjacency of the inner wall member. Destruction separation type fixing device that defines the opening in the part. 22. The breakaway fixturing device of claim 21 wherein the fixture support segment is located between a plurality of thin break walls on opposite sides. 23. The breakaway fixator of claim 22, wherein each break wall on each side of the fixture support segment has opposite ends terminating in an open slot extending therethrough. 24. The breakaway fixturing device of claim 23, wherein the fixture support segment is surrounded by at least one of the fracture walls and at least one of the slots forming the fracture path. . 25. The fixture comprises a base element insertable into at least one of the slots and having a tongue extending toward the other slot, the tongue adjacent the front surface of the inner wall member. 25. The destructive separation-type fixing device according to claim 24, wherein 26. The breakaway separation fixation device of claim 25, wherein the tongue has a free end extending through the other slot and is in contact with the back surface of the inner wall member. . 27. A base element is secured to a base overlying the support segment and the tongue and extending outwardly from the base to engage an edge portion of the panel above the panel opening. 27. The disruptive separation type fixation device of claim 26, which comprises: 28. At least one flexible locking finger configured such that the leg is configured to fixedly engage an edge portion of the panel as it penetrates a fastener receiving hole in the edge portion. 28. The breaking separation type fixing device according to claim 27, which has. 29. The legs include a pair of flexible locking fingers integrally joining the ends of the legs, each finger extending from the legs toward the base. 29. The disruptive separation type fixation device of claim 28, wherein the destructive separation type fixation device is inclined outward and is configured to engage with a surface of an outer edge portion of the hole to lock the fixing device. 30. A destructive separation type fixing device for maintaining a door in a position for closing a panel opening for deploying an air bag of an automobile, wherein the door is provided at a peripheral portion of the panel extending along the panel opening. An inner wall having an inwardly projecting segment for supporting the fixture for retaining and engaging the fixture in the provided hole, said projecting segment being provided at both edges thereof with a thin fragile wall section of said wall. An open slot is provided between the edges of the fragile wall section, which is joined to the adjacent portion, between the edges and projects outwardly so as to be inserted into the base and the hole of the edge portion from one direction. With a fastener having
A breakaway fixation device, wherein the base comprises a tongue that is inserted into a slot behind the protruding segment and an outer portion of the protruding segment that joins the legs. 31. The base comprises a U-shaped element, the tongue and outer portion being integrally joined by a curved portion adjacent one of the slots.
The destructive separation-type fixing device as described in. 32. The breakaway fixator of claim 31, wherein the curved portion engages an edge of the protruding segment. 33. The leg has at least one locking finger configured to be locked to the edge of the panel when the leg is inserted through the fixture receiving hole in the edge. The destructive separation-type fixing device according to claim 30. 34. The leg has a pair of flexible locking fingers on either side thereof integrally joined to an end of the leg, each finger extending outward from the leg to the base. 34. The breakage according to claim 33, having a free edge that is inclined toward and that is configured to engage a surface of an outer edge portion of the hole to lock the fixture in place. Separation type fixing device. 35. The method of claim 33, wherein the tongue has a free end with retention means and is retained in engagement with an adjacent edge of the protruding segment after the tongue is inserted into the slot. Destruction separation type fixing device.